- Joined
- 16 Dec 2009
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Okay, here's how the Mercs Multiplayer works. I asked the people at the mektek forums and this is the response I got:
The Windows Firewall should handle the whole 'open ports' thingy, but just in case it doesn't, you can find the needed ports in the sysopreadme in your Mercs folder.
So, someone willing to host a game or two this weekend?
From the main menu, click on Multiplayer. On the next screen you'll need to set up your connection. Click on the New button. Answer the easy prompts. When you get to Select your Connect type and Speed answer the Selection Type correctly from the drop down menu, but on Connection Speed select 56k despite what it actually is to reduce load on whatever server you are playing in. Then click on Next. On the next screen make sure that the MekMatch box is selected for How Would you like to Browse for Games? Then click Next. On the last screen just accept the default name for Connection Name (My Connection) - you can change it later. You are now ready to start looking for a server.
You now have 2 buttons to choose from: MekMatch Servers or Connect. The MekMatch Servers button will take you to a list of the 5 main categories of servers. You will see under the Info column what each category is used for. You can choose any of them (they are just listed that way as a guideline, but players can host a server on any of them). The greatest concentration of servers is in Kurita (North America). The most number of online players are there too. It sounds like you and your friends are beginners to online so you might also choose Davion for New Players. There aren't too many servers and players there but you can at least know you will be playing against others new to the game or at least those that are willing to help out newer players with questions. Double-click the category or click on a category and then the Join button.
You will now see a list of all the servers under that category.
If you have patched up to the latest version they will all be a white color - if not, green. You can sort the servers by any of the columns; i suggest Players. It is more fun to play in a server with lots of people, but it can also be a little intimidating, so you might choose a server that doesn't have many (some have bots too - you can click on the Detail button to list the players and bots in a server). On this same screen to the right at the top are 3 columns you'll want to become familiar with: UA, NH, NR. UA = Unlimited Ammo, NH = No Heat, NR = No Respawn. If any of the servers have these special conditions they will have a checkmark for them in the column. Lastly, most servers are running default maps included with the Free Release 3.1, but obviously there are lots of User made maps so you may get a message once you join a server that you do not have a map, just follow the link in the pop up.
Now, choose a server and double-click it or select it and click on Join.
There may be a pause where it looks like nothing is happening, but just wait. Then a message will appear that says Connection is being established. Then you will arrive in the Game Lobby. If you get an error message saying the Server may have quit or networking issues browse or post in the tech support forums here. You can chat with others in the chat box at the bottom, select a mech and variant, choose a team, choose to be an observer and just watch the game unfold but not play in it...you can also enter the Mechlab and make some changes before you enter the game. At the top right are 3 tabs: Mission, Map and Server. Mission provides the game details, Map provides information about the map and the game type, and Server provides specifics about how this particular server is set up as well as IP information. When you are ready to join the game, or if the game is counting down waiting to launch (can see time left of the game or how much time until launch at upper right) and you have your mech picked out, click on Ready. It may take a couple of seconds to actually enter the map so be patient.
Once you have entered the map, it's pretty much like the campaign or instant action, but now you are playing against much better pilots in real people. One of the differences is the chat box in the upper left. You can expand it by pushing the ` key or turn it off, turn it back on etc. You'll want to hit the Show Multiplayer Score (default is Tab) to see the scores and what drop zone players are in. Find the enemy and start shooting!
The Windows Firewall should handle the whole 'open ports' thingy, but just in case it doesn't, you can find the needed ports in the sysopreadme in your Mercs folder.
So, someone willing to host a game or two this weekend?